On this page, you will find:
- Overview of the MPNP
- Skilled Worker in Manitoba eligibility
- Skilled Worker Overseas eligibility
- International Education Stream pathways
- Business and Farm Investor Pathways
- Points assessment breakdown
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Manitoba Immigrant Nominee Program (MPNP)?
The Manitoba Immigrant Nominee Program (MPNP) is a provincial immigration pathway that allows Manitoba to select and nominate individuals who demonstrate the potential to make a positive economic contribution to the province. The MPNP enables skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and farm business operators to apply for Canadian permanent residence with the support of the province.
Unlike federal immigration programs, MPNP is tailored to meet Manitoba’s labour market and demographic needs. It prioritizes applicants with a strong connection to the province, such as those with work experience in Manitoba, family ties, or invitations issued through strategic recruitment initiatives.
The program’s aim is to be flexible to Manitoba’s labour market and broader economic priorities. Those priorities are communicated to candidates via a regularly updated list of In-Demand Occupations.
Manitoba Immigration Draws
1. Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream (SWM)
The Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway is for individuals who are currently employed in the province and wish to settle permanently. This stream emphasizes the importance of ongoing employment and connection to Manitoba.
To qualify, candidates must:
- Be working in Manitoba on a valid work permit
- Have been employed full-time by the same Manitoba employer for at least six consecutive months
- Receive a full-time, long-term job offer from that employer
The employment must be with a business incorporated or registered in Manitoba and actively operating with an established presence in the province.
Additional requirements include:
- Job-ready English or French (sufficient language proficiency to perform the job duties)
- All necessary qualifications for the position, including education and licenses
- A settlement plan that outlines an intention to live and work in Manitoba permanently
Important exclusions:
- Employment through co-op programs, self-employment, or work without authorization does not count
- Ministers of religion and other work permit-exempt categories are ineligible
International students from other Canadian provinces must have at least one year of full-time work with a Manitoba employer before they become eligible to apply.
2. Skilled Worker Overseas Stream (SWO)
The Skilled Worker Overseas stream targets applicants outside Canada who demonstrate a strong connection to Manitoba and have the skills needed in the local labour market. This stream has three main connection types:
a. Manitoba Support
This option allows individuals with family or friends in Manitoba to apply. The supporter must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Have lived in Manitoba for at least one continuous year
- Demonstrate a close relationship with the applicant (e.g., sibling, niece/nephew, cousin, parent, grandparent)
- Show their previous support efforts led to successful settlement outcomes
Paid representatives, elected officials, and individuals with no demonstrated relationship to the applicant cannot act as supporters.
b. Manitoba Experience
Applicants may qualify if they previously lived in Manitoba as a temporary foreign worker or international student. Requirements include:
- Six months of continuous full-time work in Manitoba
- Or successful completion of a recognized post-secondary program (excluding language programs)
c. Manitoba Invitation
The MPNP conducts regular recruitment missions and exploratory visits. Candidates who are identified and interviewed during these initiatives may receive an Invitation to Apply.
Recruitment missions are usually conducted overseas, often in partnership with Manitoba employers. Exploratory visits must be pre-approved by MPNP and allow candidates to research communities, meet employers, and demonstrate their settlement intentions.
Eligibility for exploratory visits generally includes:
- Age 21–45
- Post-secondary education of at least one year
- At least two years of recent full-time work experience
- CLB 5 or higher in language proficiency
- No stronger ties to another province
- Clear intention and ability to economically establish in Manitoba
Applicants under the SWO stream must also score at least 60 points based on five assessment factors: language proficiency, age, work experience, education, and adaptability.
3. International Education Stream
This stream is designed for international graduates from Manitoba post-secondary institutions. It includes three targeted pathways:
a. Career Employment Pathway
Eligibility criteria:
- Graduated in the last three years from a Manitoba institution
- Completed a full-time program of at least one year
- Job offer in an in-demand occupation listed by the province
- Currently working full-time in Manitoba
- CLB 7 or higher in language proficiency
- Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds or hold full-time long-term employment
Applicants must also submit a Career Employment Plan showing how their job aligns with their education and long-term settlement goals in Manitoba.
b. Graduate Internship Pathway
This pathway supports highly educated graduates who completed internships in Manitoba.
Eligibility criteria:
- Completed a master’s or doctoral degree in Manitoba within the past three years
- Completed a Mitacs Elevate or Accelerate internship with a Manitoba-based employer
- CLB 7 or higher in English or French
- No job offer required at time of application
- Must be residing in Manitoba and meet settlement fund requirements
c. International Student Entrepreneur Pilot
This stream allows international graduates to establish a business in Manitoba.
Eligibility criteria:
- Completed a two-year full-time post-secondary program in Manitoba
- Between 21–35 years old
- CLB 7 or higher in language proficiency
- Own at least 51% of the business
- Operate the business as a senior manager for at least six months before nomination
- Submit a Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
- Provide a financial verification report and demonstrate funds for 12 months
4. Business Investor Stream
This stream targets experienced business owners and managers who wish to invest in and operate a business in Manitoba. It includes two pathways:
a. Entrepreneur Pathway
Eligibility criteria:
- At least 3 years of full-time experience as a business owner or senior manager in the past 5 years
- CLB 5 or higher in language proficiency
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD (verified by third party)
- Minimum investment of $250,000 in Winnipeg or $150,000 outside Winnipeg
- Job creation for at least one Canadian or permanent resident
- Business plan and potential exploratory visit strongly recommended
Applicants can gain additional points if their spouse has language skills, if they have relatives in Manitoba, or if their children study in the province.
b. Farm Investor Pathway
Eligibility criteria:
- Minimum of 3 years of farm ownership and operation experience
- Investment of at least $300,000 CAD in a Manitoba-based farm
- Active management and residence on the farm
- Farm business must be economically viable and produce primary agriculture
- Farm business research visit required
- Net worth of at least $500,000 CAD
- Submit a detailed farm business plan
Speculative investments or absentee ownership models are not eligible. Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of modern farming practices and adaptability to Manitoba’s agricultural environment.
5. Points Assessment System (for Skilled Worker Overseas stream)
To be eligible under the Skilled Worker Overseas stream, applicants must score a minimum of 60 out of 100 points. Points are distributed across five categories:
Language Proficiency (Max 25 points)
- CLB 8 or higher: 20 points
- CLB 7: 18 points
- CLB 6: 16 points
- CLB 5: 14 points
- CLB 4: 12 points
- CLB 3 or lower: 0 points
- Second language (CLB 5+): 5 additional points
Age (Max 10 points)
- 21 to 45: 10 points
- 46: 8 points
- 47: 6 points
- 48: 4 points
- 49: 2 points
- 50 or older: 0 points
Work Experience (Max 15 points)
- 1 year: 8 points
- 2 years: 10 points
- 3 years: 12 points
- 4+ years: 15 points
Education (Max 25 points)
- Master’s/Doctorate: 25 points
- Two post-secondary programs (2+ years each): 23 points
- One post-secondary program (2+ years): 20 points
- One one-year program: 14 points
- Trade certificate: 14 points
- No post-secondary education: 0 points
Adaptability (Max 25 points)
- Close relative in Manitoba: 20 points
- MPNP invitation: 20 points
- Previous work in Manitoba: 12 points
- Post-secondary study in Manitoba (2+ years): 12 points
- Study in Manitoba (1 year): 10 points
- Friend/distant relative in Manitoba: 10 points
- Regional settlement (outside Winnipeg): 5 points
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply to MPNP if I studied in another Canadian province?
Yes, but there are additional requirements. If you studied outside Manitoba and wish to apply under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream, you must have worked full-time for a Manitoba employer for at least one year before becoming eligible.
Can my child who lives in Manitoba support my application?
No. Children cannot act as Manitoba Supporters under the Skilled Worker Overseas stream. If you wish to reunite with your child, consider the federal Family Class sponsorship program instead.
Do I need a job offer for the International Education Stream?
It depends on the pathway. The Career Employment Pathway requires a job offer aligned with your field of study. However, the Graduate Internship Pathway does not require a job offer at the time of application.
How long must I manage a business under the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot?
You must manage and operate the business as a senior manager for at least six consecutive months before receiving a nomination. You must also meet all conditions outlined in your Business Performance Agreement.
Does an exploratory visit guarantee an invitation?
No. While exploratory visits are important, they do not guarantee an Invitation to Apply. The MPNP evaluates all candidates based on their potential to economically establish in Manitoba, and only qualified individuals will receive invitations.
